The biannual conference of the Air Force Commanders that began in the national capital on Tuesday is set to discuss in detail modalities for inducting women as fighter pilots.
The historic decision, to induct women into combat role with the IAF, was announced by Chief of air staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha last week.
The three-day conference was inaugurated by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
According to an IAF statement, during the conference air force commanders will brief Air Chief Marshal Raha on various issues related to operational capability, maintenance, and human resources. Future plans of enhancing IAF’s capability will also be discussed.
The meet would discuss the proposed induction of both Rafale and Tejas light combat aircraft. While the government to government deal with France for the purchase of Rafale is struggling to move forward with an inter-governmental agreement, the IAF is now placing order for 100 more Tejas. The original order of IAF was for just 20 LCAs.
The IAF said discussions during the conference would be a “continuation of the theme of operational preparedness towards any contingency, including requirements of providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
The IAF brass would spend an entire day brainstorming with leadership of defence PSUs such as HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd), BEL (Bharat Electronics Ltd), Ordnance Factory Board etc among other things the theme of ‘Make in India.’
